Can Carbon Pricing Can Keep Nuclear Viable?

PEC Offers Testimony In Joint Legislative Hearing

Harrisburg — Testifying before the General Assembly’s Bicameral Nuclear Energy Caucus today, Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) President Davitt Woodwell told lawmakers that, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, putting a price on carbon would spur needed competition in the energy market. Doing so, he said, could help put Pennsylvania’s beleaguered nuclear industry on a sound financial footing at a time when nuclear energy has a vital role to play in transitioning the state’s energy portfolio toward decarbonization.

“We believe that the loss of today’s nuclear fleet would be a terrible blow to the progress already made in reducing Pennsylvania’s contribution to climate change, and would hamstring all of our combined efforts moving forward,” Woodwell said. “We also believe there are approaches that can be developed to allow for the continued operation of today’s nuclear fleet while also allowing other forms of energy generation to prosper.”

Carbon pricing is one of several carbon-reduction mechanisms PEC has been exploring in the year since it hosted a groundbreaking conference focusing on decarbonization of electricity generation in Pennsylvania. Over two days in March 2017, state- and national-level experts meeting in Pittsburgh identified a range of economic, technological, and policy solutions that could realistically facilitate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 90 percent over the next thirty years.

Consensus soon crystalized around four concepts – energy efficiency, grid modernization, carbon capture, and carbon pricing – which offered the greatest potential for reducing emissions while also meeting the Commonwealth’s energy needs and creating new opportunities for economic growth.

“In its simplest form,” Woodwell said, “carbon pricing sends market signals that there is a preference for lower emissions, and incents the production of energy with those lower emissions.” As a market-based solution, Woodwell added, carbon pricing is “technology-agnostic” and does not favor any one energy source over another, focusing instead on outcomes.

“Moving forward to a deeply decarbonized energy future means including a wide variety of generation options optimized to reduce carbon emissions to the greatest extent possible as soon as possible,” Woodwell said. “In our view and for varying lengths of time, and with a number of different economic drivers, this will include renewables, natural gas, coal, and nuclear.”

Various carbon pricing models have already been advanced in the U.S., including cap and trade programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), renewable portfolio standards like the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS), and fees assessed on energy production and consumption.

PEC is currently studying these and other approaches with the goal of developing a proposal tailored to Pennsylvania by the end of 2018.

“The effectiveness of any pricing program depends on a number of variables that need to be closely considered and modeled to understand its impacts on generation mix, energy prices, consumer impacts, and greenhouse gas emissions,” Woodwell said.

Despite the complexity of these calculations, currently available evidence suggests the potential for a wide range of economic and environmental benefits from the carbon-pricing approach.

Citing a recent RGGI report, Woodwell noted that “even a modest price on emissions through a trading regime can reduce emissions, create jobs, provide positive economic returns, and generate revenues for state programs.”

More information on PEC’s deep decarbonization initiative, including videos and the conference white paper, can be found at pec-climate.org.

About the Pennsylvania Environmental CouncilThe Pennsylvania Environmental Council is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Luzerne, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College.

DCNR Climate Plan Unveiled at PEC Event

Philadelphia — Guests at the 48th annual Philadelphia Environmental Partnership Dinner on June 14th were among the first to get a glimpse of the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plan developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Delivering the keynote address at the annual gathering hosted by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn outlined the challenges the agency faces in managing the impacts of global warming on Pennsylvania’s public lands – including invasive species, changing forest composition, rising temperatures in lakes and streams, wildfires, and damage from more frequent and increasingly intense severe weather events.

“To not act on climate, in today’s world, would be criminal,” Dunn said. “We need to act, so we’re laying out a framework for our action.”

The plan identifies 123 action steps, beginning with a pilot project to test out adaptive management practices on state park and forest lands in south central Pennsylvania. The full text of the plan, released concurrently with the Secretary’s remarks, can be found on the DCNR website.

Held in the Crystal Tea Room in Center City’s historic Wanamaker Building, the Philadelphia Environmental Partnership Dinner recognizes extraordinary work by individuals, businesses, and organizations to protect and improve southeastern Pennsylvania’s environment.

The Philadelphia Eagles organization was honored for its Go Green program, which has installed 14 wind turbines and more than 11,000 solar panels at Lincoln Financial Field as part of a broader effort to reduce energy usage and waste in partnership with dinner sponsor NRG Energy. Eagles VP for Fan Experience Norman Vossschulte accepted the Industry Innovation/Corporate Sustainability Award before departing for a separate event where the NFL-champion Eagles were to receive their commemorative Super Bowl 2018 rings.

Philadelphia Water Commissioner Debra McCarty received the Non-Profit/Government Innovation & Sustainability Award on behalf of the Philadelphia Water Department’s (PWD) Green City, Clean Waters (GCCW) initiative. GCCW has been held up as a national model for sustainably managing stormwater runoff through the use of green infrastructure.

“Working with public and private partners, the City of Philadelphia has added over 2000 green features, including stormwater tree planters, rain barrels, porous paving, rain gardens, and green roofs to our neighborhoods to reduce runoff, volume, and filter pollutants,” McCarty said. “All of this helps protect our rivers and streams, making our city a better place to live, learn, work, and play.”

Longtime Philadelphia cycling advocate Robert P. Thomas, AIA, received a standing ovation as he received the 2018 Curtin Winsor Award. Named for PEC co-founder and former board member Curtin Winsor, the award recognizes a person who exemplifies his vision, commitment, and lifetime achievement. Thomas is a founding member of the Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition, a leading advocate for the Circuit Trails and East Coast Greenway, and a champion for accessibility and historic preservation.

“It’s a heck of a lot of fun,” Thomas said of his decades of volunteer and professional work on sustainable development in Philadelphia. He donated his $1,000 cash award to the Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition.

The Philadelphia Environmental Partnership Dinner is one of three regional events hosted each year by PEC, recognizing environmental leadership in southeastern, northeastern, and western Pennsylvania. With the state Department of Environmental Protection, PEC also co-hosts the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence held each spring in Harrisburg.

About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Luzerne, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College.

Calling all Watershed Group Leaders

South-Central PA Region Watershed Workshop Announced for June 20

Carlisle, PA – Clean and abundant water is a cornerstone of what makes Pennsylvania unique. Behind that valuable resource is a host of people dedicated to protecting it. That is why several organizations have teamed up to bring a Watershed Workshop to the south-central region of the state on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 from 9:45 am to 2 pm at Dickinson College, Stern Great Room (208 West Louther Street, Carlisle, PA, 17013). Workshop organizers include the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds & Rivers (POWR), the Capital Area RC&D, and Dickinson College’s Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring.

Those working for watershed and environmental organizations, their board members and volunteers, as well as interested citizens, are encouraged to attend this event to share information, learn techniques to help build membership, and network with other groups in the South-Central Pennsylvania region. This and similar meetings across the state are being organized to identify needs and provide organizational capacity and technical resource tools to help make watershed organizations across the Commonwealth as successful as possible.

Workshop presenters include researchers from Shippensburg University, staff from South Mountain Partnership, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), County Conservation Districts, ALLARM and regional and local environmental organizations with watershed-focused programs and resources. An optional tour of Dickinson College’s sustainable features will wrap-up the day. The cost of the workshop is $15 and includes breakfast, lunch, and the optional tour.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Luzerne, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College. For more information, visit: http://pecpa.org

About the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds & Rivers (POWR)

POWR was created to advocate for the protection, restoration and enjoyment of our common wealth of water resources through several key initiatives including the PA River of Year and River Sojourn programs. POWR’s mission, to empower citizen champions and unite people and communities to protect and restore Pennsylvania’s rivers, creeks, streams and wetlands, recognizes the unique and valuable contribution of Pennsylvania’s CWOs in the on-the-ground work to conserve its high quality and exceptional value streams and restore those waterways impaired by acid mine drainage, agricultural and stormwater runoff pollution.

Since its founding in 1986, Dickinson College’s Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring has become a nationally recognized technical and programmatic support center for Pennsylvania and New York community organizations interested in watershed assessment. ALLARM offers comprehensive services to enable communities to use critical scientific tools to evaluate water quality and fully participate in community-based decision-making.

The Capital Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area Council is a locally led nonprofit that creates partnerships of citizens, businesses, agencies, and organizations in its seven-county area to enhance the quality of life for those who live and work here. Serving South Central Pennsylvania in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties, Capital RC&D promotes the wise use and conservation of our natural and community resources. Capital RC&D Council members bring a variety of perspectives to developing and implementing the organization’s work, as well as proving an important network to link resources and programs that support Capital RC&D’s vision and mission.

Pennsylvania Takes Important Step Forward on Methane

Pennsylvania joins other states in addressing air emissions from natural gas operations

(PITTSBURGH, PA – June 7, 2018). Today Pennsylvania Governor Wolf and Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell announced the finalization of new air quality permitting requirements designed to improve monitoring and reduce emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, from unconventional natural gas operations in Pennsylvania.

“Today’s announcement brings Pennsylvania in line with what other states, with the support of industry, have already proven: that our economy and environment are best served by adoption of high standards for energy development,” said John Walliser, Senior Vice President for Legal and Government Affairs.

The revised GP-5 and GP-5A permits for new and modified facilities and operations represent an important first step toward implementation of Governor Wolf’s 2016 Methane Reduction Strategy, which recognizes the expanding role that natural gas has in Pennsylvania’s energy transformation. While natural gas combustion produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions than coal, those benefits are potentially negated by uncontrolled emissions of methane from both production and in the supply chain. It is critical that Pennsylvania, as the nation’s second-largest producer of natural gas, has high standards.

“With these controls in place, we must now focus on an even bigger issue: emissions of methane from existing sources” said Walliser. “We look forward to continuing our work with other stakeholders committed to advancing leading energy development and environmental protection standards.”

Guided by sound regulatory policy, the industry is already well positioned to realize significant improvements in this area. A report by the International Energy Agency determined that it is possible to avoid a majority of methane emissions at little or no additional net cost – meaning that businesses, consumers, and the environment all benefit. Further underscoring the practicality of these goals, the Natural Gas Supply Collaborative – a voluntary effort by multiple large natural gas purchasers to advance safe and responsible practices for natural gas supplies – has identified detecting and reducing methane emissions as its foremost environmental performance indicator.

Today’s announcement brings Pennsylvania in line with other leading states and industry players who recognize that effective methane controls are a win for business, consumers, and the environment.

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About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Luzerne, and State College.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Partnership Awards are presented annually to recognize the achievements of individuals or organizations that, through partnerships, have achieved excellence in environmental protection or conservation. The Evening showcases the Recipient of the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award, which was established to recognize an individual who stands out for his or her long‐term commitment to environmental quality through inspirational leadership, dedication and commitment to partnering. The 2018 Emerging Environmental Leader Award will also be awarded to a youth who demonstrates young environmental leadership, creativity and dedication to inspire others to adopt similar actions to protect the environment.

“Northeastern Pennsylvanians have greatly benefited from the fruits of collaboration, which can be seen every day in our communities,” said Meg Welker, Sr. Environmental Professional at PPL and dinner planning committee chairperson. “Please help us identify those leading the charge so we can thank them for diligently working to improve our quality of life through environmental partnerships in our region.”

The Awards are open to any group, individual, company, program, or organization whose work has had a positive impact on the environment in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s following counties; Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming.

During the past 27 years, over 180 individuals and groups involved in agriculture, forestry, business, industry, education, science, environmental awareness, community service, and government have been honored.

Nominations may be made by a person or persons involved in the activity, or by a third party. Nominations must be postmarked no later than July 18, 2018. Visit pecpa.org or call PEC at 570‐718‐6507 for a nomination form. Award presentations will be made during the Environmental Partnership Awards Dinner being held on October 25, 2018.

About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Luzerne, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.

Countryside Conservancy – $10,000 to build 2.6 miles of single track trails on the 82-acre Gardner Preserve adjacent to Lackawanna State Park.

Delaware Highlands Conservancy – $9,050 to support the Women and Their Woods educational initiative coordinated by the Delaware Highlands Conservancy and its partners to create a network of landowners and natural resources professionals working together to connect with and care for private forest lands.

Lacawac Sanctuary – $2,250 to create Get Outside, Get Healthy! Guidebooks with trail, map, and facility information about nature-based activities for health and wellness on Pike and Wayne County public lands.

Penn Kidder/Jim Thorpe ASD – $2,800 to establish a garden to teach the school community about natural resources; develop a sense of stewardship in students; and make the garden an integral aspect of the science curriculum.

West End Park Open Space Commission – $5,000 to develop 900 linear feet of an all-inclusive, shared use connector trail at West End Regional Park.

Wilkes University – $3,000.00 for a four-day Environmental Science Camp utilizing two parks, a trail, and University facilities to educate students on soil, air, and water quality/quantity issues.

About the Mini-Grants Program
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), under the Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Landscape, has been implementing a mini-grant program within the Landscape for several years thanks to funding provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The mini-grant program funds projects that support the PFW Landscape goals of Conservation, Community and Connections.

About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Luzerne, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.

Repurposing tons of scrap auto carpet. Making streams healthier by planting native trees on the family farm. Greatly reducing city lighting expenses with energy efficiency changes. Training a volunteer stormwater pollution reduction workforce. These are just some of the 23 innovative and impassioned initiatives in Pennsylvania chosen by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to receive the prestigious 2018 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.

“Just as important as Pennsylvania’s abundant natural resources are the Pennsylvanians who invest their time, labor, and ingenuity to protect them,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “Their dedication results in public health and safety, environmental, economic, and recreation benefits across the commonwealth.”

Any individual, business, school, government agency, or community organization in Pennsylvania was eligible to apply for the award.

“DEP received more than 60 applications, which we evaluated for their degree of environmental protection, innovation, partnership efforts, economic impact, consideration of climate change and sustainability, and results achieved,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “It’s an honor to recognize the tremendous impact many Pennsylvanians have in protecting our air, land, and water.”

The award-winning projects accomplished the following results:

enlisted 16,000 volunteers,

prevented 258 million tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere,

saved over $42 million in operation and maintenance costs,

conserved 37 million gallons of water annually,

diverted 29 million tons of waste and 57 million bottles from landfill disposal,

created 98,500 acres of riparian buffers,

planted 35,090 native trees and shrubs, and

installed 350 rooftop solar tubes.

2018 Environmental Excellence Award recipients include:

Statewide

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation – Graffiti: No Place in Nature Using drones and geographic information mapping systems, the foundation linked volunteers with opportunities to clean up graffiti at trail heads, boat launches, rock outcroppings, and vistas. More than 170 volunteers scrubbed clean 37 graffiti sites and picked up 80 bags of trash, seven boxes of glass and nails, and other debris items in this labor- and time-intensive process.

Allegheny County

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy – TreeVitalize Pittsburgh By increasing street tree population, TreeVitalize Pittsburgh will increase environmental, economic, health, and aesthetic benefits. With the assistance of over 12,000 volunteers, this project has planted over 28,000 trees in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, resulting in a 10 percent increase in city street trees and a 45 percent increase in street tree diversity.

Penn State Extension – Master Watershed Steward Program The program trains citizen volunteers into an educated, organized workforce to partner with local and state governments and organizations on water conservation projects. Last year, 194 master watershed stewards volunteered 7,582 hours of service, including educating the public at community events, monitoring 15 streams, planting 915 trees, and building 118 rain barrels.

Berks County

Berks County Water and Sewer Association – Berks County Source Water Protection Programm—Incorporating new and existing protection zones to maintain safe drinking water in Berks County, this program identifies possible sources of contamination for both surface water and groundwater. The program combines education and water quality improvements to the Chesapeake Bay and Schuylkill River watersheds and covers 266,000 people in Berks County.

Butler County

Slippery Rock University – Healthy Planet, Healthy People Environmental Summer Camp and Community Project Incubator To help high school teachers and students create environmental stewardship projects, Slippery Rock University hosted a camp for educators that included classroom instruction, leadership training, and immersive field experience. In partnership with the EPA, the camp provided $1,700 in seed money for participating school districts to kickstart their community projects. Thirteen projects completed in eight counties have the potential to raise environmental awareness among 2 million Pennsylvanians.

Columbia County

Autoneum Bloomsburg – Carpet Trim and Waste Recycling Autoneum Bloomsburg repurposes automotive carpet and trim products, keeping 12,000 tons of virgin material from the landfill and saving 25 Olympic-sized pools’ worth of water annually. Recycling has made operations more cost-effective and price competitive, enabling the company to obtain more customers.

Delaware County

AeroAggregates – Bottle to Building AeroAggregates uses 13,000–26,000 tons of 100 percent postconsumer recycled glass annually to produce lightweight construction materials for road and building projects. Not only do they repurpose the equivalent of about 55 million glass bottles per year, but construction vehicle traffic decreases from five trucks to one because weight is reduced.

Lackawanna County

City of Scranton – LED Street Lighting Conversion Through investing in infrastructure improvement projects, converting to LED lights, and installing lighting controls, the City of Scranton has decreased its energy consumption and maintenance, improved visibility, increased safety, and reduced hazardous waste output. The city will save nearly $400,000 annually.

Lehigh County

Wildlands Conservancy – Building Partnerships and Restoring Riparian Buffers in the Lehigh ValleyThe conservancy led a significant effort to restore riparian buffers along streams in the Lehigh Valley. Managing invasive species, planting native plants, installing deer protection, and monitoring the buffers were key to success. This project will improve water quality by shading the stream, prevent erosion and sediment loading, filter nutrients and pollutants from runoff, and provide vegetation and habitat to support aquatic life.

Luzerne County

Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority – Regional Stormwater Management Plan and MS4 Permit ComplianceA collaborative effort by 31 municipalities in Luzerne County resulted in a municipal separate storm and sewer system (MS4) plan to reduce pollution and address aging infrastructure in an affordable way. The collaboration allows for a regional Pollutant Reduction Plan and enables more strategic, cost-effective implementation of stormwater best management practices. The municipalities will save $200 million over the next 20 years while ensuring the long-term sustainability of their stormwater systems.

Northumberland County

Dr. Blair T. Carbaugh – Dr. Blair T. Carbaugh Conservation Area Dr. Carbaugh led a project that reclaimed an abandoned coal mine site and turned it into the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area for ATV use, along with a 100-acre conservation area with 500 American Chestnut trees, planted by volunteers. Almost 19,000 passes to the park were sold in 2017.

Luzerne County

Earth Conservancy – Askam Borehole Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Treatment System Wayside ExhibitEarth Conservancy installed two AMD treatment systems to prevent pollution from flowing into Nanticoke Creek and reduce the contamination of local watersheds. A walking path with signage teaches students about science and the community, enhances accessibility and safety of the site, and educates visitors about the region’s mining history and the environment.

Montgomery County

Merck & Co. – Merck Pennsylvania West Point Regional Waste Diversion and Recycling InitiativeMerck standardized its facility services and established various waste reduction services to improve waste diversion. In one year, the company recycled 1,896 tons of nonhazardous materials; reused 190 tons of nonhazardous materials; sent 1,417 tons of non-hazardous waste for energy recovery; and diverted 204 tons of compost from the landfill.

Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership – Jenkintown Creek RestorationThe collaborative partnership aims to improve water quality along the 3.7-mile Jenkintown Creek. The restoration project resulted in four raingardens, a 75-foot bioretention feature, bioswale and wetland enhancements, streambank stabilization, and 3,775 herbaceous plants and 1,260 trees planted. More than 1,000 volunteers and students participated in learning about stormwater runoff and the benefits of green infrastructure.

Upper Moreland School District – Alternative Fuel Propane Infrastructure and Bus Fleet The school district converted its school bus fleet to propane and installed fueling infrastructure to support not only its own use, but also the use of neighboring government organizations. The total buses will displace 50,000 gallons of diesel and 10,000 gallons of gasoline annually. This fuel source switch will save taxpayers $256,766 annually and will prevent 596 metric tons of carbon dioxide from polluting the atmosphere.

Monroe County

Tobyhanna Army Depot – Sustainability at Tobyhanna Army DepotThrough a focused environmental review, the depot developed a sustainability plan with innovative solutions to minimize waste, conserve energy, and reduce water consumption. LED lighting, solar walls, carports, energy-efficient heating, non-potable water reuse tanks, waste disposal plans, and a robust recycling program are the key elements to achieving a strong sustainability plan. The depot expects to save $532,042 in operating costs annually.

Philadelphia County

School District of Philadelphia – GreenFutures Sustainability ProgramThe GreenFutures program seeks to reduce energy consumption, increase waste diversion from landfills, increase school green space, and create healthy environments and living habits for students and communities district-wide. In one year the district saved over 1 million plastic water bottles by installing 786 hydration stations, implemented a student-led energy education program, completed a student summer solar installation program, constructed nine green schoolyards, provided recycling services, launched a compost program, and conducted indoor environmental quality assessments.

Potter County

Potter County Conservation District – Water Quality Protection and Education Initiative at Ludington Run and BeyondThe conservation district developed a comprehensive plan to improve water quality and habitat restoration to Ludington Run. Stream bedding materials are enhancing successful fish spawning, runoff carrying sediment and pollutants is discharging in a safe manner, and stream plantings are stabilizing the soil and reversing the trend of thermal pollution.

Westmoreland County

Loyalhanna Watershed Association – Integrating STEM and Environmental Education Programming at the Watershed FarmCombing environmental education with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) courses, this program focuses on agriculture, soils, building design, water systems, and art in nature. In four months, more than 500 students have been educated and 60 teachers employed. The farm has more than 40 cattle, 1,700 native trees and shrubs, pollinator-friendly gardens, and honeybee hives

York County

Happy Hollow Farm – Riparian Buffer ProjectThe English family have applied their agricultural skills to installing riparian buffers along a creek on four acres of their farm. They’ve planted more than 80 species of native trees and shrubs, becoming a model for other landowners. The riparian buffer filters pollutants; provides food and habitat for wildlife; and produces nuts, berries, and syrup, which can provide $6,000 per acre in economic opportunities annually.

]]>Delaware River Watershed Initiative Builds on Conservation Successhttp://pecpa.org/press-releases/delaware-river-watershed-initiative-builds-conservation-success/
Wed, 04 Apr 2018 15:08:59 +0000http://pecpa.org/?post_type=pec_press_release&p=13365Philadelphia – More than $40 million in new funding announced Wednesday by the William Penn Foundation (WPF) will support the second phase of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative (DRWI). Already among the country’s largest non-governmental conservation efforts to protect and restore clean water, the DRWI is a first-of-its-kind regional collaboration involving 65 non-governmental organizations working […]

]]>Philadelphia – More than $40 million in new funding announced Wednesday by the William Penn Foundation (WPF) will support the second phase of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative (DRWI). Already among the country’s largest non-governmental conservation efforts to protect and restore clean water, the DRWI is a first-of-its-kind regional collaboration involving 65 non-governmental organizations working together to protect and restore the Delaware River and its tributaries, which provide drinking water for 15 million people in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware.

DRWI partners are organized geographically into eight local working groups, each focused on water quality issues specific to their respective communities. In suburban Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is leading a collaboration of community-based watershed organizations and technical experts from Temple and Villanova Universities, which has been working since 2014 to protect clean water through research and targeted, data-driven interventions. With the renewal of DRWI funding, this work can now continue for another three years.

Collectively the suburban Philadelphia collaborative has built $4.7 million of new stormwater control measures at dozens of sites across the watershed. Projects have slowed and infiltrated polluted stormwater, stabilized stream banks, and restored forest buffers along streams that act as natural filters. Additionally, partners have monitored water quality at 108 sites, trained more than 300 volunteers as stream monitors, and rallied thousands of citizens to donate 9,000 hours at clean-ups, tree plantings, and clean water educational events.

At a time when the federal government is redefining its role in environmental protection, leadership by public agencies and NGOs at the state and local levels is more important than ever to keep our water clean. Though federal policies such as the Clean Water Act have successfully reduced pollution in waterways nationwide over the past several decades, recent rollbacks of protections, and budget cuts for the federal Environmental Protection Agency, threaten to slow or reverse progress. In the face of these challenges, the DRWI’s bottom-up approach represents a strategic path forward for the region,
demonstrating the power of organized, independent, nonprofit-driven cooperation among communities and the philanthropic sector.

“By design, The Delaware River Watershed Initiative aligns the work of 65 organizations in the watershed to accelerate conservation,” said Andrew Johnson, program director for Watershed Protection at the William Penn Foundation. “The Initiative is rooted in the strength of these organizations individually and in their ability to collaborate using science to target the most important places for conservation. Together they are protecting and restoring those places, measuring the impact of their efforts on local streams, and learning collectively to improve their work.”

Across the Delaware River basin, WPF’s strategy of catalyzing cooperation among local and regional groups has already yielded remarkable results. In just over three years DRWI partners have strategically:

initiated projects that will protect 19,604 acres and restore an additional 8,331 acres, and

monitored and sampled water quality at more than 500 sites across four states.

This additional $42 million, three-year investment builds on initial successes to protect and restore an estimated 43,484 additional acres and continue science-driven, data-informed efforts to secure clean, abundant water in the basin.

“WPF’s leadership has really established a new paradigm in watershed protection,” said PEC President Davitt Woodwell. “We are thrilled to be a part of it and look forward to even greater success in the coming years.”

Threats to the Delaware River basin are significant, demanding a concerted response from private landowners and local officials to protect our natural resources. The DRWI is tackling widespread pollution sources that harm clean water in our rivers and streams: erosion and runoff from deforested acres in headwaters; polluted runoff from agricultural fields; flooding and polluted stormwater from cities and suburbs; and a depleted aquifer in southern New Jersey. These growing problems will threaten drinking water for millions of people every day if left unaddressed.

“The upstream suburban Philadelphia team is excited to build on past success as we focus more on restoration projects and outreach strategies to improve our communities and reverse decades of water quality degradation,” said Patrick Starr, executive vice president of PEC. “The Delaware River Watershed Initiative is a powerful catalyst for working together more effectively to achieve maximum impact and lasting change that will benefit current and future generations.”

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The upstream suburban Philadelphia collaborative comprises six watershed conservation organizations, two regional environmental nonprofits, a multi-municipal collaborative, and two academic partners. The region includes parts of five watershed areas, encompassing 36 municipalities and approximately 400,000 residents.

About the Delaware River Watershed Initiative The Delaware River Watershed Initiative is a collaboration of 65 leading nonprofit organizations that have developed shared action plans to reduce four priority threats to clean water. Informed by science, the Initiative is working in eight targeted areas, where analysis indicated that interventions could significantly safeguard or improve clean water. Together, these eight areas constitute 25 percent of the river basin and include portions of Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. For more information, including a list of all participating organizations, visit www.4states1source.org.

About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Philadelphia, Luzerne, and Pittsburgh.

]]>Five Programs To Receive Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awardshttp://pecpa.org/press-releases/five-programs-receive-western-pennsylvania-environmental-awards/
Mon, 26 Mar 2018 13:52:52 +0000http://pecpa.org/?post_type=pec_press_release&p=13283Pittsburgh – Five environmental programs from throughout Western Pennsylvania will share $25,000 from Dominion Energy and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) for innovation and effectiveness in making a positive impact on the environment. They are this year’s winners of the 2018 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards, presented annually to local organizations that demonstrate leadership, effectiveness, and […]

]]>Pittsburgh – Five environmental programs from throughout Western Pennsylvania will share $25,000 from Dominion Energy and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) for innovation and effectiveness in making a positive impact on the environment.

They are this year’s winners of the 2018 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards, presented annually to local organizations that demonstrate leadership, effectiveness, and results in making an impact on the environment. All four were chosen by a group of independent judges, environmental experts, and PEC staff in response to a call for entries earlier this year.

These winning programs reflect many of the environmental priorities of this region as they address watershed conservation and stewardship, urban land contamination, and public park conservation.

With these awards, each winner will designate a $5,000 cash prize to be used in support of a nonprofit environmental program of their choice.

In addition to these five organizations, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council will present a lifetime achievement award to Dr. Jared Cohon, the former president of Carnegie Mellon University.

The Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards program is open to individuals, businesses, and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to environmental excellence, leadership and accomplishment, and make significant contributions toward improving Western Pennsylvania’s environment. Dominion and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council sponsor the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards each year to encourage the community to emulate the achievements of the winning entries, thereby promoting innovative environmental efforts and enhancing the quality of life in Western Pennsylvania.

The winners will be honored at the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.

About the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards

The Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards recognizes and honors outstanding achievements of organizations, businesses, and individuals in a wide range of environmental initiatives throughout the region and pays tribute to those that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence, leadership, and accomplishment in their respective fields.

By sponsoring these awards, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Dominion Energy hope to encourage the community to emulate the achievements of the successful nominees, thereby promoting innovative environmental efforts and enhancing the quality of life in Western Pennsylvania.

About Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy is one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 26,000 megawatts of electric generation, 14,800 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline, and 6,600 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion Energy operates one of the nation’s largest natural gas storage systems with approximately 1 trillion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves nearly 6 million utility and retail energy customers.

About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Luzerne, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, visit its website at www.pecpa.org.

Note to Editors: A summary of each winner with contact information follows.

2018 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards

Winners

Allegheny County Conservation DistrictPittsburgh
Allegheny County

There are thousands of vacant and abandoned parcels in Pittsburgh and the outlying municipalities and many are contaminated with lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals. So the Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) launched an Urban Soils program that works with resource-strapped Pittsburgh communities to address the significant environmental concerns around urban soils.

To date, ACCD has offered over $150,000 in testing services and hundreds of hours in free technical assistance, towards community and greenspace projects. ACCD has also raised awareness of soil health and contamination issues in communities around the county and given guidance on sustainable practices to improve environmental and public health. In addition to providing free services that allow for environmental project funds to be used efficiently, ACCD has begun conducting its own mapping and research efforts, seeking to better understand the nature and extent of legacy contamination across the urban environment.

In the Allegheny National Forest in northwest Pennsylvania, Allegheny Outfitters is serving as public advocate and conservation educator to mitigate the impacts of increased human traffic on waterways and forest land.

Allegheny Outfitters formed the Allegheny River Clean-Up, a week-long annual event that draws hundreds of volunteers and community sponsors each year to clean up 30-plus miles of the Allegheny River and two of its tributaries. Since then, nearly 3,000 volunteers have donated almost 23,000 hours in support of this effort. Additionally, Allegheny Outfitters has adopted a stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail in the Allegheny National Forest, and regularly hosts volunteer staff trail work events. It also provides financial support for conservation of public land and waterways and has created commemorative trail posters of land and water trails in the region with a portion of each sale going back to the organization that maintains it.

Contact:
Piper VanOrd
piper@alleghenyoutfitters.com
(814) 724-1203

Casselman River Watershed AssociationSomerset
Somerset County

Over the past 30 years, volunteers of the Casselman River Watershed Association, Inc., (CRWA) have dedicated countless hours to seek grants and construct treatment systems to address the water quality issues resulting from abandoned mine drainage degradation that the Casselman River suffered after the Industrial Revolution devastated the once pristine watershed. CRWA has partnered with local, state, federal agencies, along with other non-profit organizations on a number of projects.

Water quality in the river and tributaries improved through the use of innovative lime dosing and AMD treatment systems. And the CRWA works with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to secure easements along the Great Allegheny Passage and the Casselman River to preserve the aesthetics of its breathtaking landscapes.

Through the efforts of the Casselman River Watershed Association, watersport activities have increased, local businesses have benefitted economically, and the potable water quality for local communities has improved.

Contact:
Susan J. Moon
sue-scd@wpia.net
(814) 289-4246

Edinboro Lake Watershed AssociationEdinboroErie County

The economic and ecological benefits of Edinboro Lake have been compromised by its advanced state of eutrophication, which depletes oxygen in water and impacts aquatic life. A management plan completed by the Edinboro Lake Watershed Association determined that 81% of the phosphorus entering the lake is from non-point sources with over 27% of the total being derived from stormwater runoff from land development.

In 2017 the Edinboro Lake Watershed Association completed a project to design and install stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) on the campus of General McLane High School and Middle School in Edinboro. These stormwater methods capture runoff from approximately 38 acres resulting in approximately 24 pounds per year reduction in phosphorus and 10,000 pounds per year reduction of total suspended solids entering Edinboro Lake.

For the 40 three-sided Adirondack shelters of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT), the passage of time and harsh ridge winters had taken their toll on the masonry and stonework of the chimneys that are the shelters’ best feature. The mortar began to crumble and the stones to shift.

The shelters are not only an important feature of the trail but they are in essence also historic structures. A mason with a heightened appreciation for the work had to be located. He photographed each stone and disassembled each chimney, numbering the pieces of stone as they were removed, then cleaned and scraped them and put them back together in order.

An initial REI grant of $3,000 to the project was matched by the Friends of Laurel Hill. Thanks to the overwhelming support of REI, the R.K. Mellon Foundation, and individual donors from nine states, funding was secured to complete the project.

Contact:
Marci J. Mowery
mmowery-ppff@pa.net
(717) 236-7644

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Jared L. Cohon
Professor EmeritusCarnegie Mellon University

Dr. Jared Cohon served as the President of Carnegie Mellon from 1997 until 2013. Before that he was Dean of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale and on the faculty and in the administration at Johns Hopkins University. He serves on the board of five non-profit organizations and two corporations. Among his extensive service for the U.S. government and the National Academies, he chaired the U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board, co-chaired the Commission to Review the Effectiveness of the National Laboratories, and currently chairs the Academies’ Board on Energy and Environmental Systems.

Professor Cohon is interested in environmental systems analysis, especially the development and application of optimization tools for large-scale natural resource and environmental problems. Most of his theoretical work has focused on algorithms for multi-objective programming problems and systems methods for integrating engineering, economics and policy in public environmental decision making. He has worked most on water resource, energy and waste problems.

Among his many contributions to environmental policy-making in Western Pennsylvania, Dr. Cohon chaired the Sewer Regionalization Review Panel representing local government, foundations, academia, legal, environmental, water & sewer authorities, nonprofit and private organizations to identify a true regional approach to wastewater and storm water management for Allegheny County.

POWR announces 2018 Pennsylvania Sojourn Grants Now Available

Luzerne – The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) has announced the opening of the 2018 Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant cycle. Grants are available on a competitive basis for single and multi-day paddling events on Pennsylvania Rivers. Sojourns must incorporate significant educational programming, and be open to all participants (i.e., private trips are not eligible). Applicants can request $900 per day for multi-day sojourns and $500 for a single-day sojourn.

The PA Sojourn Program is a nationally unique program that distributes more than $40,000 in grants across the state to support local organizations and their sojourn events. Each year, between 10 and 15 paddling events are supported under this program, encompassing over 500 river miles, 50+ on-the-water days, offering more than 100 educational programs and engaging over 12,000 people.

POWR, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, administers the Pennsylvania Sojourn program. POWR has been in place for over a decade and has sponsored trips on many of the Commonwealth’s rivers. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) is the prime sponsor of the program.

Media contacts:

Janet Sweeney or Angela Vitkoski, POWR, 570-718-6507

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About POWR

POWR, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, administers the Pennsylvania Sojourn program. POWR has been in place for over a decade and has sponsored trips on many of the Commonwealth’s rivers. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) is the prime sponsor of the program.

About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Luzerne, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.

]]>Loyalsock Creek is Pennsylvania’s 2018 River of the Yearhttp://pecpa.org/press-releases/loyalsock-creek-named-pa-2018-river-year-public-voting/
Mon, 08 Jan 2018 21:27:46 +0000http://pecpa.org/?post_type=pec_press_release&p=12266FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 8, 2018 Loyalsock Creek Named PA 2018 River of the Year in Public Voting CONTACTS: Terry Brady, DCNR, 717-772-9101 Janet Sweeney, POWR, 570-718-6507 Harrisburg, PA – Home to legions of paddlers, anglers, and other outdoors enthusiasts in north central Pennsylvania, Loyalsock Creek has been voted the 2018 Pennsylvania […]

Loyalsock Creek Named PA 2018 River of the Year in Public Voting

Harrisburg, PA – Home to legions of paddlers, anglers, and other outdoors enthusiasts in north central Pennsylvania, Loyalsock Creek has been voted the 2018 Pennsylvania River of the Year.

The public was invited to vote online, choosing from among five waterways nominated across the state. Results were announced jointly today by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Pennsylvania Organization for Waterways and Rivers (POWR).

“There are winning qualities in all five of these waterways that their supporters recognize and respect,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “The number of waterways nominated, coupled with a vote tally that increases every year, showcases both the unique diversity of Pennsylvania’s rivers and the strong community allegiances that protect and enhance them.”

“This annual honor highlights our state’s wealth of rivers and streams, and recognizes the core of dedicated folks who fight to protect them,” Dunn noted. “Public awareness of the Loyalsock’s value will be increased and initiatives along the waterway river will be underscored. Both serve economic revitalization by enhancing access to the stream; increasing tourism; and providing additional land and water-based recreational opportunities for area residents and visitors alike.”

DCNR and POWR will work with the Middle Susquehanna RIVERKEEPER® Association Inc. to create a free, commemorative poster celebrating the Loyalsock Creek as the 2018 PA River of the Year. As applicant for the honor, Middle Susquehanna RIVERKEEPER, will receive a $10,000 Leadership Grant to help fund year-long River of the Year activities.

“The Pennsylvania 2018 River of the Year competition truly showed the depth of the region’s ‘Loyalsock Love,’” said Middle Susquehanna RIVERKEEPER® Association Executive Director Carol Parenzan. “We are grateful to those who voted and encouraged others to vote as well, and we thank our lead partner — Loyalsock Creek Watershed Association — for its unending commitment and unlimited loyalty to this precious waterway, flowing from the Endless Mountain region of Pennsylvania to the West Branch Susquehanna River.

“In the past, Loyalsock Creek was a hidden gem, nestled in the mountains north of Williamsport and enjoyed by area residents and visitors to the 64-mile-long waterway and its watershed. Today, with this recognition, we are ready to share this timeless treasure with the rest of Pennsylvania and beyond. For many years, paddlers have danced with her whitewater during spring runoff and families have created camping memories along the shores of the ‘Sock at Worlds End State Park.”

Noting the Loyalsock boasts a quality trout fishery and is home to the rare Eastern hellbender, Parenzan said the association plans an ambitious schedule of events and programs to showcase its attributes to the public throughout the year. Information will be posted at www.MiddleSusquehannaRiverkeeper.org, as well as Facebook pages for Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper, Loyalsock Creek Watershed Association, and other supporting organizations and agencies throughout the region.

Loyalsock Creek flows through Worlds End State Park, a highly popular destination state park encompassing 780 acres, and Loyalsock Trail, a well-trekked 59-mile trail providing vistas overlooking the stream below. Extraction of coal, lumber and natural gas all have presented conservation challenges, both past and present, to the waterway. Also, erosion and sedimentation issues continue to be addressed by government and private agencies and organizations.

In cooperation with DCNR, selection of public voting choices was overseen by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

“POWR would like to commend everyone across the commonwealth for their support for the nominated rivers,” said POWR Executive Director Janet Sweeney. “The River of the Year program is a wonderful opportunity to showcase all of the nominated rivers and the great work being done in Pennsylvania communities on these valuable resources. We are excited about this opportunity to promote the successes and challenges facing the Loyalsock Creek, as well as all of Pennsylvania’s waterways.”

POWR administers the River of the Year program with funding from DCNR. Presented annually since 1983, the 2017 River of the Year designation was awarded to the Allegheny River in southwestern Pennsylvania.

A commemorative River of the Year sojourn is among many paddling trips supported by DCNR and POWR each year. An independent program, the Pennsylvania Sojourn Program, is a unique series of a dozen such trips on the state’s rivers. These water-based journeys for canoeists, kayakers and others raise awareness of the environmental, recreational, tourism and heritage values of rivers. For more information about the sojourn program, visit www.pawatersheds.org.

To learn more about the River of the Year program, the nominated waterways, and past winners visit www.pariveroftheyear.org.

To learn more about DCNR’s Rivers Program, visit www.dcnr.pa.us (click on “Conservation” then “Water”).

About POWR

POWR, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, administers the Pennsylvania Sojourn program. POWR has been in place for over a decade and has sponsored trips on many of the Commonwealth’s rivers. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) is the prime sponsor of the program.

About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Luzerne, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.

PEC Celebrates Ten Years of Dumpsite Cleanups

Luzerne, PA — Since 2007, The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), a 501(c)3 non-profit Environmental Organization, has been assisting local municipalities and other non-profits in cleaning up illegal dumpsites. This year marks the PEC Community Illegal Dumpsite Program’s tenth anniversary.

The program expanded in 2015, when PEC obtained funding through the settlement of a Department of Environmental Protection enforcement action to continue cleaning up illegal dumpsites in Pike County, Potter County, Susquehanna County and Wayne County. With this funding, PEC financed and coordinated a total of 126 illegal dumpsite cleanups, sent hundreds of letters and emails, made phone calls, hired contractors, contacted land owners, acquired insurance, provided equipment and supplies, educated and recruited volunteers, and formed many partnerships.

In just the past three years, the program has removed 185 tons of trash, 37 tons of scrap metal and 105 tons of tires (more than 8,500 tires) from 72 sites, thanks largely to the efforts of more than 1,200 volunteers who donated nearly 6,800 hours of their time. Additionally, PEC staff worked with municipalities, conservation districts, foresters, and others to clean up 29 locations, and hired contractors to eradicate another 25 illegal dumpsites.

A breakdown by county follows:

Pike County
16 sites were eradicated by 513 volunteers working a total of 3,544 hours. 37 tons of trash, 80 pounds of scrap metal, and 23.32 tons of tires were removed and disposed of properly. Six of these sites were within a waterway.

Potter County
69 volunteers spent 205 hours cleaning up 36 sites, removing 15.94 tons of trash, 6.1 tons of scrap metal and 15.23 tons of tires. 21 of these sites were within a waterway.

Susquehanna County
527 volunteers worked 2,522 hours to eradicate 55 illegal dumpsites. In all, 110 tons of trash, 19.43 tons of scrap metal and 60 tons of tires were removed and disposed of properly. 28 of these sites were within a waterway.

Wayne County
19 sites were cleaned up over a total of 502 hours by 129 volunteers. Together they hauled away 22.61 tons of trash, 11.25 tons of scrap metal and 6.6 tons of tires. Eleven of these sites were within a waterway.

Many thanks go out to all the volunteers, organizations, schools, churches, clubs, sponsors, conservation districts, county work release and probation offices, county and state employees, municipalities and local officials for supporting this much needed project.

About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Luzerne, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.